IntroAfter 24 years as the head coach of Troy, Larry Blakeney retired following the 2014 season. He’s been replaced by Neal Brown, who will be a head coach for the first time after spending the last seven seasons as an offensive coordinator at three different schools, including Troy. Of course, Brown could have his work cut out for him, as the Trojans are coming off a 3-9 season in 2014.

OffenseThe Trojans will return two potential quarterbacks in 2015 in Brandon Silvers and Dontreal Pruitt. Silvers saw most of the action last year as a redshirt freshman, and while he was efficient, he wasn’t asked to do a lot. Meanwhile, Pruitt saw action in nine games last year and another year in the program could have him ready to be the starter. Whichever quarterback ends up playing for Troy will have a handful of receivers with experience playing around them. Senior Bryan Holmes is likely to be the top target after he had 474 yards and five touchdowns receiving last year, but the Trojans have plenty of viable options in the passing game.

The Trojans will also return their top two rushers from last season. Senior Brandon Burks and junior Jordan Chunn both ran for over 500 yards last year, and they should give Troy a competent running back duo again this season, with Burks also being a frequent target in the passing game. The Trojans will try to get their running game going behind an offensive line that’s losing three starters. However, Antonio Garcia and Dalton Bennett will give Troy two experienced linemen controlling the left side.

DefenseOn the other side of the ball, Troy could have some depth issues up front, but they will have a pair of young pass rushers in Jamal Stadom and Tyler Roberts who could cause trouble for opposing quarterbacks. The Trojans are also a little light at linebacker, where Sam Lebbie (r-So. 6-1 243) and Mitchell Roland (Jr. 5-11 223) will have to play prominent roles after being supporting players last season.

In the secondary, the Trojans should have one of the best safety tandems in the Sun Belt with Montres Kitchens and JaQuadrian Lewis. Kitchens had 88 tackles and six interceptions a year ago and could be one of the best defensive players in the conference in 2015. However, Troy will have a fair amount of youth and inexperience at cornerback.

Special TeamsOn special teams, Ryan Kay (10-of-14 field goals) should handle both the placekicking and punting duties for the second straight year. Senior receiver Teddy Ruben will be Troy’s top return specialist.RecruitingThe Trojans 2015 recruiting class (CFP 114th) is led by a couple of twins to boost both trenches in Damien and Demone Kemp; Damien is a 6-foot 6-inch offensive lineman while Demone is a defensive tackle. The incoming group of prospects also features a capable quarterback being Gardner Minshew. As a senior prep, Minshew passed for 3,541 yards and 31 touchdowns.OutlookIn Brown’s first season as the head coach at Troy, he should have the Trojans ready to improve upon last year’s 3-9 record. But despite a few potential stars on defense and a fair amount of playmakers on offense, Troy is likely no better than a middle-of-the-pack Sun Belt team in 2015.